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Ballet/Breaking in Pointe Ballet Shoes...

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Expert: - 3/17/2008


Question
Hey I'm just recently starting pointe and I was wondering how do you break them in? I've heard so many things as to ripping the soles out, hitting your shoes with a hammer, using water to soften them, wedging your shoes between doorways...I was wondering which way is better and most effective or is just simply doing barre work the best way.

Thank you,
Mya

Answer
Hi Mya. There is a video at http://www.theballetstore.com by a dance medicine specialist, showing how to break in pointe shoes. Also, she has a wonderful ebook about pointe work, getting strong, and how to work without injury, and the link for that is on the first page of theballetstore site. It's called The Perfect Pointe  Book...take a look at both and ask me if you need more help.

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Volunteer

Dianne M. Buxton

Expertise

I can answer questions about ballet positions, ballet movements and ballet technique, pointe shoes and pre pointe exercise, mens training, ballet diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, produced and directed dance companies. For any answers related to health questions I will offer my experience, and give references to information, but I also automatically include "see a professional".

Experience

dancer, ballet and modern, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director, ballet mistress, producer

Organizations
I.S.T.D. Actra, Actors Equity

Publications
http://ezinearticles.com http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com http://streetarticles.com http://balletconnections.com

Education/Credentials
Graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada where I studied Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova and Graham technique. Taught at the National Ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard University.

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